The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a ruling that will allow emergency abortion access in Idaho, for now, despite the state’s strict ban on the procedure.
The court dismissed the case without considering the core issues, instead sending it back to the lower courts for further proceedings.
The move reinstates a federal district court’s ruling that a federal law requiring emergency rooms to provide stabilizing care to all patients preempts Idaho’s abortion ban when a women’s health is at risk.
The Supreme Court, June 26, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images
Idaho’s Defense of Life Act, enacted in 2022 after the fall of Roe v. Wade, prohibits nearly all abortions with exceptions only in cases of rape, incest or to prevent the death of the mother.
The Biden administration argued before the court the law is conflict with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, which requires hospitals receiving Medicare funds to provide “necessary stabilizing treatment.”
The case marked the first time the court heard a case regarding state-level abortion restrictions passed after its conservative majority struck down Roe. Since then, 21 states have successfully enacted restrictions or bans on abortion and 14 of those states have total bans with few exceptions.
Justice Samuel Alito criticized the court dismissing the case, stating he would have ruled against the government’s preemption argument.
“Apparently, the Court has simply lost the will to decide the easy but emotional and highly politicized question that the case presents. That is regrettable, ” Alito wrote in a dissent joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
The Supreme Court recently made a significant decision regarding abortion access in the state of Idaho. In a temporary emergency ruling, the Court granted access to abortion services for women in Idaho, marking a crucial victory for reproductive rights advocates.
The decision comes after Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a controversial bill into law earlier this year, banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The law, known as the “heartbeat bill,” was one of the strictest abortion restrictions in the country and faced immediate legal challenges from pro-choice groups.
In response to these legal challenges, the Supreme Court stepped in to temporarily block the enforcement of the law, allowing women in Idaho to continue accessing abortion services while the case is being litigated. This decision is a significant win for reproductive rights advocates who have been fighting against restrictive abortion laws across the country.
The Supreme Court’s ruling sends a clear message that women have a constitutional right to access safe and legal abortion services. It also highlights the importance of protecting reproductive rights in the face of increasing attacks on abortion access at the state level.
While this temporary ruling is a positive development for women in Idaho, the fight for reproductive rights is far from over. Advocates continue to push for permanent protections for abortion access and are working to ensure that all women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and healthcare.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision to grant temporary emergency abortion access in Idaho is a significant victory for reproductive rights advocates. It reaffirms the importance of protecting women’s access to safe and legal abortion services and sends a strong message that attempts to restrict these rights will not go unchallenged. As the case continues to be litigated, advocates will continue to fight for permanent protections for abortion access in Idaho and across the country.
